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SHU celebrates end of school year Texas-style

Callista Arida, Assistant EditorMay 5, 2018

SHU students gathered in McKenna gym for last year’s Griffin Community Day. Photo courtesy of E.Michaux.

Seton Hill University celebrated its third annual Griffin’s Community Day, an end of year celebration, on May 3. “This is meant for our community to come together, enjoy some good food and kind of say farewell to another school year on the Hill,” said Elise Michaux, director of student involvement at SHU.

Michaux had high hopes for this year’s community day theme, which is a Texas-style BBQ. “We like to outdo ourselves every year,” Michaux said. “We like to challenge ourselves to come up with something a little different.”

Located in the recently renovated Lowe Dining Hall, activities began at 4 p.m. “We are encouraging everyone to wear their best Texan outfit and those who are best dressed, a guy and a gal, will receive a prize,” Michaux said.

Among the food and festivities, those who feel daring enough could take on the mechanical bull challenge. Yes, you read that right. Through Entertainment Avenue, SHU rented a mechanical bull for a real “southern” challenge. In celebrating SHU’s centennial, riders were challenged to hold on for 100 seconds. That’s one minute and 40 seconds. A prize was awarded to anyone who could stay on the longest.

“The event changes as we have through the years, but I hope the constant is that this big family can gather around the table, break some bread and make some smiles that will leave a lasting memory,” said Darren Achtzehn, director of food services at SHU.

Achtzehn and the dining services staff helped to organize the event and create a Texas BBQ. To add to the southern vibe, Achtzehn invited a local band, “The Country Strings” to perform during the event. The band, led by Dave Lang, a professional caller, performed as students dusted off their line dancing skills.

“Faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend, bring your SHU I.D. so that we know you are a part of the group,” Michaux said. “I’m really excited about [the community day]. I think it will be something that everybody enjoys.”